“PARSIPPANY, N.J. (AP) — Avis is buying Zipcar for $491.2 million, expanding its offerings from traditional car rentals to car sharing services.
Car sharing has become a popular alternative to traditional rentals in metropolitan areas and on college campuses, allowing members to quickly procure a vehicle for quick trips. Zipcar, which was founded in 2000, has more than 760,000 members. It went public in 2011.
“By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential, both in the United States and internationally, and will position our company to better serve a greater variety of consumer and commercial transportation needs,” said Avis Chairman and CEO Ronald Nelson.
Bringing the Avis fleet into play will also help Zipcar meet high demand on weekends, Avis said, when most people make a run to the grocery store or run other errands.
Avis Budget Group Inc. will pay $12.25 per share, which is a 49 percent premium to Zipcar’s Friday closing price. The companies put the total value of the deal at approximately $500 million….”
If you enjoy the content at iBankCoin, please follow us on Twitter
